A20756:366
The conflict between the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The…The conflict betvveene the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The…
The conflict between the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The Christian warfare wherein is described the nature of these combatants, the malice and power of the flesh and fleshly lusts, with the means whereby we may subdue and overcome them. By John Downame Bachelor in Divinity, and preacher of Gods Word.The conflict betvveene the flesh and the spirit. Or the last part of The Christian warfare wherein is described the nature of these combatants, the malice and power of the flesh and fleshly lusts, with the meanes whereby we may subdue and ouercome them. By Iohn Dovvname Batchelar in Diuinitie, and preacher of Gods Word.
London: printed by William Jones, 1618London: printed by William Iones, 1618
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1Now we may know whether the spirit of God be in us or no: First by the ministry and means which it vieth to make entrance, and to take possession of us the which is the ministry of the Word of God: For when the flesh with the lusts thereof are somewhat amazed and affrighted with the canon shot of legal threatenings, making as it were a large breach into the heart and conscience, and the trumpet of the Gospel soundeth offering remission of sin and eternal salvation to all that believe and repent; then this victorious captain maketh his entrance assaulteth the flesh and driveth it into corners, taking possession of all for Gods use the great Monarch of heaven and earth. And this the Apostle showeth, where he saith, that the Galatians 2received the spirit, not by the works of the law, but by the hearing of faith; that is the doctrine of faith contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whereof it is that the Ministers of the New Testament are by him called the ministers of the 3spirit; because by their preaching they prepare the way for the spirit, as John the Baptist for Jesus Christ, and are as it were his harbingers, to take up a lodging for him in our hearts and souls. So that we may discern the spirit by the means whereby it entereth, which is not, by dreams, and extraordinary revelations, for this is the fanatical spirit of Anabaptists, and Familists; nor by the preaching of the law only; For he cometh not in this great & strong 4wind, that rents the Mountains, and breaks in pieces the Rocks, nor in this earthquake which shaketh the foundations of mans heart, nor in this fire which consumeth all sinners that come in the way of it. But when these have gone before (like a peal of Canons that give warning of the coming of this mighty Prince) then the still voice of the Gospel is uttered by the Ambassadors and Heralds of the great King, and with it he entereth and scateth himself in our hearts (as it were) upon his royal throne.
1Now we may know whether the spirit of God be in vs or no: First by the ministerie and meanes which it vieth to make entrance, and to take possession of vs the which is the ministerie of the Word of God: For when the flesh with the lusts thereof are somewhat amazed and affrighted with the canon shot of legall threatnings, making as it were a large breach into the heart and conscience, and the trumpet of the Gospell soundeth offering remission of sin and eternall saluation to all that beleeue and repent; then this victorious captaine maketh his entrance assaulteth the flesh and driueth it into corners, taking possession of all for Gods vse the great Monarch of heauen and earth. And this the Apostle sheweth, where he saith, that the Galathians